Local groups bring community members together and host a panel on the impacts of data centers 

Texas Organizing Project (TOP), Sunrise Movement Dallas, Southern Sector Rising, and Downwinders at Risk held a film screening and community discussion on data centers Thursday, June 11 at the historic Texas Theatre in Dallas.

A boom in new data centers across the U.S. is reshaping local energy grids, water systems, and land use. This fast growth is often happening with little public information about the long-term impacts new data centers could bring for nearby residents. High power bills and water use are common, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that data centers will have impacts far beyond that, with real consequences for the health of communities.

Quotes from the following event speakers:

David Villalobos, TOP Political Director and event emcee: 

“Texas is the fastest-growing data center market in the nation, and with reports of health, infrastructure, and resource concerns stemming from the building of these centers, people are uneasy right now. Texans want to know what this means for the future of their families.”

KeShaun Pearson, Executive Director of Memphis Community Against Pollution:

“A virus is spreading throughout the country, depleting our drinkable water, taking up the land that should be for our families and ecosystem. We all should be concerned about how data centers are affecting our world and our health. We continue to see elevated respiratory illnesses because of their over reliance on fossil fuels. Our collective future depends on our collective resistance.” 

Danny Cendejas, Campaign Specialist with Media Justice:

“Our communities need clean air and water, as well as the right to determine what’s best for our futures. Big Tech corporations are threatening these rights though, with dangerous and extractive data center expansion. Resistance is growing, and the people of Texas are demanding an end to Big Tech’s plans, while calling on public officials to step up for communities and the rights of our people.”

Kendra Seawright, Women’s March Rural Organizer:

“Across the country, proposed data centers are putting an enormous new strain on local water supplies, electric grids, public infrastructure, and family budgets. Tech companies call it progress, but too often they reap the profits while our communities are left to bear the costs. We are demanding transparency, accountability, and real public input before rural communities, working families, and women are forced to absorb the consequences of an industry they were never given a voice in shaping.”

Photos and video from Thursday’s event can be found here.